PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES UNION

The Finance team provides finance and budgeting support to staff, managers and members of PCS. The department is about to embark on a digital transformation that will modernise how the Finance department operates for the Union. We are looking for a Head of Finance that will drive and lead this project whilst maintaining continuity of service operation to the union, members and staff and, to join a progressive union that values collaboration, integrity, and social impact. Salary and Location Band 5, London Spine points 21-17 or Regional Spine points 23-19 Starting salary: London £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a. or Regional £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689, in annual increments (pay award pending) PCS Clapham or Regional office Successful candidates for the post of Head of FInance will be able to demonstrate: You are a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA, CIPFA) and or have an MBA with: 5 years proven experience of managing a successful finance team Proven experience in strategic financial leadership Strong knowledge of financial systems, compliance, and reporting Project management and delivery in a financial setting Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills Management of internal and external audit processes A commitment to equality, inclusion, and the values of the trade union movement The main duties of the Head of Finance role include: Strong leadership and effective management of the finance team Lead and manage the implementation and optimisation of a new finance system to ensure cost-efficiency through service reviews and technology adoption Deliver strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders Lead the unions financial services, focusing on complex and high-impact areas Support medium and long-term financial planning for the Director of Central Services and Senior Management Team Oversee management accounts, year-end financial reports, and budget cycles Ensure compliance with VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE, and regulatory reporting (e.g., AR21) Provide accurate financial data and strategic insights to decision-makers Strengthen audit processes and investment oversight Ensure integrity in transaction processing and ledger management Maintain compliance with data protection and service level agreements Support supplier relationship management Excellent people and leadership skills combined with strong analytical skills, and problem solving ability, and an understanding of up-to-date finance technology will all be essential requirements for a successful Head of Finance. Closing date: at 12 midday on Thursday 12 March 2026 Interviews will be held in person at PCS Clapham: Wednesday 25 March 2026 About PCS PCS is the Public and Commercial Services Union, representing many thousands of members working in the civil service and related areas. Employer Benefits You will have access to a generous package of staff benefits including flexible working (including hybrid working) childcare and family support generous maternity/paternity leave 32 days leave and Christmas closure pension scheme employee assistance programme Learning and Development The union offers a wide range of learning and development opportunities. We will work with you to support your continued professional development. PCS Recruiting Process We use CVMinder to manage all recruitment activities. It helps us to maintain our commitment to equality and diversity by ensuring that we are fair and compliant with our recruiting practices. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified. Candidates invited for interview are required to make themselves available on the date/s specified. Interview dates cannot be changed to accommodate candidates who are unavailable to attend on the specified date. CVs will not be accepted. Please see the job description/person specification and follow the application process. PCS is working towards equal opportunities and is positive about disabled people. All posts can be considered on a full-time, part-time or job share basis. Please view our guidance for applicants. JOB DESCRIPTION: HEAD OF FINANCE Ref: 0326 Grade: Band 5, London or Region Salary: London Spine points 21-17 London Starting salary £63,279 p.a. rising to £72,098 p.a. Regional Spine points 23-19 Regional Starting salary £58,877 p.a. rising to £67,689 Location: PCS Clapham (London) or PCS regional offices Purpose of the job: Management and leadership of the PCS Finance Team and the provison of strategic financial advice to the National Executive Committee and other bodies. Responsible for the management of the compilation and production of all management accounts, PCS annual audit, budgets, cash-flow and financial planning reports and annual reports. Responsible for the integrity and completeness of the accounting records, ensuring taxation compliance. To manage the modernisation of PCS finance system and to work with our providers to introduce digital products to support PCS primary financial accounting management system. To engage stakeholders and drive strategic change to optimise the efficiency of the financial operations and contribute towards PCS overall strategic direction of the PCS Union. Responsible to: Director of Central Services Responsible for: Internal Audit & Funding Manager and Finance & Budget Manager Contacts External: PCS members, elected officials and potential members. Employers, Legal, pension and other advisors. TUC, Members of other trade unions and related bodies. Senior Government Officials, Ministers, MPs, pressure groups, campaigning bodies and media, Auditors, financial institutions and Investment Managers. Internal: PCS staff and managers across Regions and Departments Main duties and responsibilities 1.People Management Manage work allocation and workflow, future planning and support for Finance Team and Director of Central Services Motivate and manage individuals and the team as a whole to provide a high standard of service to develop and improve the skills and efficiency of the Finance team Check work standards and maintain consistent quality of delegated tasks Seek to continuously improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the team Through induction, the appraisal system and one-to-ones, identify staff training and development needs, train or organise formal/informal training for the Finance Team Proactively promote diversity and inclusion in line with the wider PCS approach Apply the staff conduct policies as and when required e.g. discipline, grievance, capability, dignity at work and IT security policies Provide advice and deal with complex issues related to staff management including disciplinary or grievance in consultation with line manager Ensure that the health, safety and welfare of staff is maintained and improved, in accordance with PCS and statutory policies Work effectively with lay officials. Provide advice to and lead relevant committees including the preparation and presentation of reports Deputise for line manager when required 2.Strategy and Advice Ensure the provision of strategic financial advice and guidance to a wide range of stakeholders Provide leadership in delivering the unions Financial Services, having direct involvement in more complex or strategic areas to support the delivery of the unions objectives Prepare and manage delegated budgets in accordance with the Unions overall financial policies and procedures ensuring services are delivered within the agreed budgets Provide medium and long term financial planning support to the Director of Central Services and Senior Management team Oversee reviews of service prices and providers, making proposals for savings and change, seeking to exploit changing technologies and methods to reduce costs, wherever possible, in line with budgetary and policy constraints Oversee statistical systems to produce reports and analyse information within the Finance department Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested 3. Strategy and Advice Ensure the provision of strategic financial advice and guidance to a wide range of stakeholders Provide leadership in delivering the unions Financial Services, having direct involvement in more complex or strategic areas to support the delivery of the unions objectives Prepare and manage delegated budgets in accordance with the Unions overall financial policies and procedures ensuring services are delivered within the agreed budgets Provide medium and long term financial planning support to the Director of Central Services and Senior Management team Oversee reviews of service prices and providers, making proposals for savings and change, seeking to exploit changing technologies and methods to reduce costs, wherever possible, in line with budgetary and policy constraints Oversee statistical systems to produce reports and analyse information within the Finance department Monitor and report on issues and initiatives as requested . click apply for full job details

The Finance team provides finance and budgeting support to staff, managers and members of PCS. The department is about to embark on a digital transformation that will modernise how the Finance department operates for the Union. We are looking for a Head of Finance that will drive and lead this project whilst maintaining continuity of service operation to the union, members and staff and, to join a click apply for full job details